PORTLAND, Ore. (CBS) Running back LaMichael James of the Oregon Ducks, the football team of the University of Oregon, was arrested Wednesday by Springfield police.

Photo: La Michael James, running back of the Oregon Ducks.

The 20-year-old was taken into custody and put in the Lane County Jail in Eugene on misdemeanor charges of menacing, strangulation and assault.

Springfield police said they were not ready to discuss details of the incident.

After the season opener, James stepped into the tailback role after another player was suspended. He wound up setting the Pac-10's freshman rushing mark last season with 1,546 yards.

According to the Oregon Ducks website, "few players have ever made the impact in their initial campaign at Oregon as the Pac-10's Offensive Freshman of the Year" as he has, by becoming the first freshmen ever to earn the team's "Most Outstanding Player" award.